Note 869 — ACT I. SCENE I.
Reading edition
the Quest-house] Was generally the chief watch-house in a parish: to it those were brought who were taken up by the common watchmen; and there, I believe, about Christmas, the aldermen and citizens of the ward used to hold a quest, to inquire concerning misdemeanours and annoyances. Some parishes in London still have Quest-houses; St. Giles, Cripplegate, for instance. From the present passage it would seem that gambling was sometimes carried on there.